To the global Raleigh community and our supporters,
I know the last few weeks have been challenging and uncertain for us all as we face the COVID-19 pandemic together. I want to give you an update on what’s happening at Raleigh.
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Update 24/03/2020: I’m absolutely delighted to be able to inform you that all our young volunteers have safely arrived home and our remaining volunteer managers are currently flying home.
This past week has been like no other week in Raleigh’s history. Never before have we had to close all our programmes simultaneously and begin the return of over 360 volunteers from remote communities.
That we have been able to do so safely, effectively and at incredible speed is only due to the dedication and drive of our amazing staff and volunteer teams in the UK, Tanzania, Nepal and Costa Rica. They have adapted and risen to the challenge in a way that is truly humbling to me and my most sincere thanks goes out to each and every one of them. Such an effort would not be possible in most other organisations and proves that the safety of our volunteers really is at the heart of everything we do.
I’d also like to thank you for working so closely with us at this difficult time. You’ve helped to make it possible. I’d particularly like to thank those of you who have sent through kind and supportive messages to our team. It’s been really appreciated and has boosted us as we’ve worked flat out.
Our teams will be in touch with volunteers now they have returned home to continue providing support as they transition back into a very different life. We will also be looking at options for volunteers who have returned early, including the chance to complete their programmes in future if possible. We are all devastated that we have needed to close our programmes early, both for our participants and for the communities we work with. However, we firmly believe that it was the right decision.
I’d also like to ask that we all emphasise to returned volunteers the importance of respecting their government's social distancing or stay at home guidance. Young or old, we’ve all got a role to play in overcoming the COVID-19 outbreak and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities!
Please do contact us if you’d like to provide feedback or require any further support.
With my continued thoughts and best wishes to you, your family and loved ones,
Julian Olivier
CEO, Raleigh International
For International Women’s Day 2020, the Raleigh UK office has been shining a light on ways in which we as individuals can identify and challenge gender inequality in the workplace. By addressing disparities in our own actions, we hope to collectively contribute to creating a gender equal world.
March 6, 2020
As the United Nations launch a Decade of Action, we know that harnessing the power of young people is vital to protecting the planet for generations to come. Raleigh International CEO Julian Olivier explains why.
January 31, 2020
As 2019 draws to a close, Raleigh International chief executive Stacey Adams celebrates the achievements of young people in 2019, gives thanks for the generosity of our supporters and reflects on the past 13 years leading the organisation.
December 18, 2019
For six years, volunteers from Google offices across Europe have spent two weeks in rural communities each year to mentor and support inspirational young entrepreneurs with the passion and drive to make their micro-enterprise a success. At the heart of the programme is Google employee Rick Van Woudenbergh, who has paved the way for a number of impactful projects.
December 3, 2019
Raleigh International, the UK’s leading youth-led sustainable development charity, has announced that Julian Olivier will take over as Chief Executive in the New Year.
September 24, 2019
Saint-Gobain Foundation are funding one year of a new and innovative project in the Mkingu Forest Nature Reserve to support sustainable livelihoods, help rural youth lift themselves out of poverty and make long-lasting contributions to the local economy.
September 4, 2019
As any former volunteer can tell you, the memories made on a Raleigh Expedition stick with you long after it is over and you’ve taken off your boots.
The memories can be big and small, shared or private, lasting only a second or the culmination of weeks or even months of effort. Show a photo of a tippy-tap or a mess tin to two Raleigh alumni and, even if they volunteered years apart from each other, who knows if they’ll ever finish reminiscing about their memories of Expedition.
July 15, 2019
